Boush Street Offices
Thursday, June 13, 2013
New Project in Whiteville NC
IONIC was just awarded a new contract for a small project down in Whiteville NC.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Creativity Wins!
Time published a new poll on how Americans viewed creativity—with remarkable results. The good news is that a huge majority of people believe creativity is very important. Nearly 2/3s believe creativity is more important to their workplace careers than they knew in school. The bad news is that most Americans don’t know how to practice creativity. They value creativity but don’t understand it.
So we need both a lot of social time engaging with trusted friends and colleagues working on challenging new ideas AND alone-time to integrate those thoughts and connect the dots to generate new stuff. It’s not “either-or.”
The five creative competencies of Stowe Boyd's new book Creative Intelligence: Knowledge Mining, Framing, Playing, Making and Pivoting: are skills that can build both creative capacity and creative confidence. This is true for business organizations as well as individuals.
www.ionicdezigns.com
"Where art and architecture come together."
Friday, May 10, 2013
Ionic DeZign Studios Hits Growth Spurt
It all started thirteen and a half years ago. Out of the front living room and dining room of the Thompson household and then into it's office near town center in Virginia Beach. Slowly and steadily (minus the economic speed bump of 2009) IONIC has been progressively getting a little bit bigger and doing a bit more and more. Where once we were limited to focus on a select area of work within a certain distance within Virginia's borders, we now have projects in Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. There are only a few in those distant states so I don't want to sound like we are bigger than we are but that is still a beginning.
One project at a time we have continued to serve our clients by being attentive to their needs and listening to their concerns. We have focused our practice around serving others by helping accomplish their goals while having a little fun along the way. But most of you already knew that about us if you have worked with us before.
What you may not know is about how we are growing. Initially we planned to incorporate some new finishes and fixtures to our front office space. After all we had been there for almost nine years. Even though it served our needs, we felt a need to project more of the style of work we do within our own surroundings. It quickly became evident that we needed others things for our growth. To handle all the work we needed more people, to handle all the people we needed more desks and chairs, to handle all the furniture, computers etc......yep you got it....we needed more space.
After shifting and compressing and everything else possible it was simple.....we needed to grow. Our quaint little conference area no longer handled the bigger meetings we were no having. It didn't even handle our own staff. Storage for files was a premium. Our library of products, catalogs and finish samples was bursting at its seams. Fortunately we had a plan to solve all this. Actually for an architect....we had many plans. Just which one to choose?
Proudly, with the assistance of our landlord, Suburban Asset Management and their leasing agent CB Richard Ellis, we have that plan. Our new expanded office space will allow us to stay in the same location but stretch out in the areas where we need the most growth...THE DESIGN STUDIO. Nearly doubling the size of our current office footprint, the space will allow for a few new private offices, lots of storage, lots of working space for samples and catalogs, a new contemporary conference room, break room and of course space enough to comfortably accommodate all the design staff giving us ample room to accommodate a staff of nearly 20.
We are just beginning, and as we have preached to our clients it doesn't have to break the bank to accomplish great design. We hope the renovations will not only reflect some of the character of our work to our clients, but also provide for the needs of a very hard working group of architects, interior designers and engineers that collaborate here. Our goal is that before the end of the year our office will be ready to celebrate it's new diggs.......no pictures until then....just wait a see.
Thanks to all those that have helped us grow.
Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc.
www.ionicdezigns.com
Monday, April 1, 2013
AIA Grassroots
I had the great fortune to be afforded the opportunity to attend this year's AIA Grassroots Leadership meeting in Washington DC. Time has passed a few weeks since we were there but it has just been such a busy beehive lately around the office I wasn't able to take the time to wrap up my notes from the meetings. What an incredible event! I met a lot of great people from not only around our state of Virginia but from all over the United States.
I feel fortunate to have attended this year as it seemed that this was the year for change.....really change....not just say it type of change. AIA is in need of redefining itself or becoming irrelevant. As a membership type of organization we often find ourselves asking:
What has AIA done for me? I know myself that so often i hear that question for all types of organizations including church.....yes even church....what has church done for me lately. Really? That is sort of like asking what has God done for you lately. I do believe one of the few famous quotes I remember of President Kennedy was "It not what your country can do for you but what can you do for your country." ......I quote president's since i was in DC. Well you need to be involved to truly see what can happen. Once you finally become involved and I mean really involved not just on the fringes, you will be able to see behind the scenes of any organization and the value it offers....especially AIA.
Due to the high number of concerns and the realization of "change or be left behind." The majority of the leadership meetings conducted were all speaking on what they referred to as the Repositioning Initiative. A more creative way of saying reorganization or restructuring.....after all we are architects so we are good at putting a nice since to potential negativity. However, I like it. It shows self a wanes and the need of insuring relevance in our ever changing society.
Our premise : The nature and practice of architecture is evolving and the AIA must evolve with it in order to secure its leadership position.
Another aspect for the AIA and architectural practices was about how we express our role in society and to be heard. We have a responsibility for our community. If we continue as is, will we be part of the world? Will we be part of the solution and our voices heard? That remains to be seen.
So what is the way forward? That is what we need to know and understand. It's time to shift the conversation away from what the AIA does, and towards why we do it and why it matters.
These are the building blocks to telling the story: think beyond bricks and mortar.
Building design solutions that address societal problems. Creating something that matters. If not, then why are we doing architecture? For a pay check? If that is the case, then we will soon all be out of a job. Someone will find a better way, correction, someone will find a more efficient way of, not creating but producing what we do.
We need to see the bigger picture. We need to keep our Heads up more and not just to the grindstone. We need to begin to ask ourselves the question, "How do you sell it?" The art and architecture no longer sells itself. we need to put ourselves in our client's shoes and be in the hearts minds as well as the pain of clients.
You need to know that at you are good for business. Business? I thought we practiced an art form.....really? So, What is the case? You didn't get taught how to use it. Make the business case. AIA makes better architects, architects make better projects, better projects make better value.
Fuse practice with passion.
Unification: We all first got into profession to make a difference. We all felt that If we became an architect than we would make a difference. Yet we think about process rather than passion. We want to contribute still. We just never have used that model to participate with our profession.
Demonstrate relevance.
What we do is relevant to clients, community and funders, and society. Don't talk about architecture for architecture sake. I remember way back in way back in the college days hearing that some of the universities, probably the ivy schools, were just talking architecture. My theory at the time was this must be a waste of time. talking instead of actually doing. Learning how to do instead of just speaking about it. I feel I did my colleagues an injustice all those years ago. They very well might have been talking about keeping the practice of architecture relevant......instead of immediately sticking our face down to the grindstone. They must might of had their head up and was getting the bigger picture. My apologizes.
We shouldn't say "I can do this." but rather "Through architecture I can help accomplish this."
Focus on connectivity.
Our client's don't really understand what we do. That is hard to believe but it is true. How many times have we been asked to make some changes or create a design concept? Only followed by, "Don't you just go back to your office and push a few buttons and then the design is Architected?" Swish boom! Yes, our software costs a fortune but it yet has the ability to accomplish that on its own. However we do need collaboration of others. Not just the engineers, but all the many others that we may never have considered. Others make our work better or smarter even more effective. Shift from "I" to "we." Architecture is evolving and requires a team. those members will come from fields that we may never have imagined. Keep in mind that all the other members get equal value, they aren't our pawns....but our equals.
Make everyone a messenger.
Years ago one of the job description's of an employee of Apple was = Product Evangelist. That just sounds awesome. Why are we so dull? I think we have tightened our ties too secure around our necks....like a noose cutting off the circulation. Or maybe we have been in the darkroom too much due to our infinite closet wardrobe of black ensembles. Open your eyes and see the new world.
So back to the relevant issues of leadership within the AIA organization. They plan to turn the org chart on it head. Give components a different view point of the structure needed. From top to bottom:
Members
Local components
State components
AIA national
Reverse pyramid with arrows up. Inverted organizational structure.
Let them know that this is THEIR AIA and that national exists to serve and support members. They want the members to be the lead and turn the organization around.
Visionary:
Proactively address issues critical to the profession. Where is the AIA and why are we not out front?
Clarity of Purpose:
Components need a degree of auto only to thrive, they also look to AIA national to lead with a stronger clarity of purpose.
Value:
In today's economy, the need to demonstrate the value of membership and justify the costs associated with it has never been greater. It not about price. Cable tv is valuable to people. We need to see value for the fee.
We need a reason to believe. To believe in the AIA. As interviews attest for the hired consultants looking at our "Image", there is massive dissatisfaction and it is ubiquitous across membership community.
16 member practice is the average size.....is that supported by the AIA?
Members perceive a sense of detachment of leadership in relation to the real needs and experiences of members. Disconnect from what the members do.
There is a profound sense "missed opportunity" to establish a definitive voice of architecture in an increasingly design savvy culture. Where we as a profession are rooted in profound design thinking cultures and environments. But we don't project that or is their an effort in unveiling ourselves. There is a wave that we are not catching.
Due to skepticism from previous failed attempts of organizational change, this effort must be accompanied by real change. This is not the same message.
Positioning statement:
Language is a place to start.
Developed in collaboration with AIA.
AIA is about as an architect, we can design a better world.
AIA members create enduring value. We benefit. Clients and communities benefit through innovation design changes.
AIA members drive positive change. We work collaboratively and creativily to transform client goals into reality.
AIA members lead with vision.
AA members shape the future. We value talent and diversity in new generations.
The AIA is a visionary member organization providing advocacy, leadership, ....
I feel fortunate to have attended this year as it seemed that this was the year for change.....really change....not just say it type of change. AIA is in need of redefining itself or becoming irrelevant. As a membership type of organization we often find ourselves asking:
What has AIA done for me? I know myself that so often i hear that question for all types of organizations including church.....yes even church....what has church done for me lately. Really? That is sort of like asking what has God done for you lately. I do believe one of the few famous quotes I remember of President Kennedy was "It not what your country can do for you but what can you do for your country." ......I quote president's since i was in DC. Well you need to be involved to truly see what can happen. Once you finally become involved and I mean really involved not just on the fringes, you will be able to see behind the scenes of any organization and the value it offers....especially AIA.
Due to the high number of concerns and the realization of "change or be left behind." The majority of the leadership meetings conducted were all speaking on what they referred to as the Repositioning Initiative. A more creative way of saying reorganization or restructuring.....after all we are architects so we are good at putting a nice since to potential negativity. However, I like it. It shows self a wanes and the need of insuring relevance in our ever changing society.
Our premise : The nature and practice of architecture is evolving and the AIA must evolve with it in order to secure its leadership position.
Another aspect for the AIA and architectural practices was about how we express our role in society and to be heard. We have a responsibility for our community. If we continue as is, will we be part of the world? Will we be part of the solution and our voices heard? That remains to be seen.
So what is the way forward? That is what we need to know and understand. It's time to shift the conversation away from what the AIA does, and towards why we do it and why it matters.
These are the building blocks to telling the story: think beyond bricks and mortar.
Building design solutions that address societal problems. Creating something that matters. If not, then why are we doing architecture? For a pay check? If that is the case, then we will soon all be out of a job. Someone will find a better way, correction, someone will find a more efficient way of, not creating but producing what we do.
We need to see the bigger picture. We need to keep our Heads up more and not just to the grindstone. We need to begin to ask ourselves the question, "How do you sell it?" The art and architecture no longer sells itself. we need to put ourselves in our client's shoes and be in the hearts minds as well as the pain of clients.
You need to know that at you are good for business. Business? I thought we practiced an art form.....really? So, What is the case? You didn't get taught how to use it. Make the business case. AIA makes better architects, architects make better projects, better projects make better value.
Fuse practice with passion.
Unification: We all first got into profession to make a difference. We all felt that If we became an architect than we would make a difference. Yet we think about process rather than passion. We want to contribute still. We just never have used that model to participate with our profession.
Demonstrate relevance.
What we do is relevant to clients, community and funders, and society. Don't talk about architecture for architecture sake. I remember way back in way back in the college days hearing that some of the universities, probably the ivy schools, were just talking architecture. My theory at the time was this must be a waste of time. talking instead of actually doing. Learning how to do instead of just speaking about it. I feel I did my colleagues an injustice all those years ago. They very well might have been talking about keeping the practice of architecture relevant......instead of immediately sticking our face down to the grindstone. They must might of had their head up and was getting the bigger picture. My apologizes.
We shouldn't say "I can do this." but rather "Through architecture I can help accomplish this."
Focus on connectivity.
Our client's don't really understand what we do. That is hard to believe but it is true. How many times have we been asked to make some changes or create a design concept? Only followed by, "Don't you just go back to your office and push a few buttons and then the design is Architected?" Swish boom! Yes, our software costs a fortune but it yet has the ability to accomplish that on its own. However we do need collaboration of others. Not just the engineers, but all the many others that we may never have considered. Others make our work better or smarter even more effective. Shift from "I" to "we." Architecture is evolving and requires a team. those members will come from fields that we may never have imagined. Keep in mind that all the other members get equal value, they aren't our pawns....but our equals.
Make everyone a messenger.
Years ago one of the job description's of an employee of Apple was = Product Evangelist. That just sounds awesome. Why are we so dull? I think we have tightened our ties too secure around our necks....like a noose cutting off the circulation. Or maybe we have been in the darkroom too much due to our infinite closet wardrobe of black ensembles. Open your eyes and see the new world.
So back to the relevant issues of leadership within the AIA organization. They plan to turn the org chart on it head. Give components a different view point of the structure needed. From top to bottom:
Members
Local components
State components
AIA national
Reverse pyramid with arrows up. Inverted organizational structure.
Let them know that this is THEIR AIA and that national exists to serve and support members. They want the members to be the lead and turn the organization around.
Visionary:
Proactively address issues critical to the profession. Where is the AIA and why are we not out front?
Clarity of Purpose:
Components need a degree of auto only to thrive, they also look to AIA national to lead with a stronger clarity of purpose.
Value:
In today's economy, the need to demonstrate the value of membership and justify the costs associated with it has never been greater. It not about price. Cable tv is valuable to people. We need to see value for the fee.
We need a reason to believe. To believe in the AIA. As interviews attest for the hired consultants looking at our "Image", there is massive dissatisfaction and it is ubiquitous across membership community.
16 member practice is the average size.....is that supported by the AIA?
Members perceive a sense of detachment of leadership in relation to the real needs and experiences of members. Disconnect from what the members do.
There is a profound sense "missed opportunity" to establish a definitive voice of architecture in an increasingly design savvy culture. Where we as a profession are rooted in profound design thinking cultures and environments. But we don't project that or is their an effort in unveiling ourselves. There is a wave that we are not catching.
Due to skepticism from previous failed attempts of organizational change, this effort must be accompanied by real change. This is not the same message.
Positioning statement:
Language is a place to start.
Developed in collaboration with AIA.
AIA is about as an architect, we can design a better world.
AIA members create enduring value. We benefit. Clients and communities benefit through innovation design changes.
AIA members drive positive change. We work collaboratively and creativily to transform client goals into reality.
AIA members lead with vision.
AA members shape the future. We value talent and diversity in new generations.
The AIA is a visionary member organization providing advocacy, leadership, ....
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
IONIC: A small firm with BIG IDEAS!
 |
| we dont use these anymore |
Small firm, big ideas.
IONIC will work closely with you to understand your building requirements, and understand the importance of working together with you while using our knowledge, skill and network of experts to develop ideas that provide the best value for your investment. Working closely with the client, construction and design teams, we design effective, sustainable solutions for your building and space requirements. Our design leadership and coordination with the other members of the project team from inception to completion help ensure the successful delivery of your project. We can help you with new construction, tenant improvements / remodels and improvements of your facility.
We consider it our mission to lead the design process in the pursuit of excellence. We focus on three core areas of excellence to provide the greatest value for our clients.
1. Efficient - We use the latest technologies and techniques to deliver our services faster, better and more affordably. Most all of our construction projects are created using the BIM process, Building Information Modeling. All of the documents are created using three dimensional design which creates much more accuracy and less opportunities for conflicts in the field.
2. Knowledgeable - Research and an extensive network of industry experts provide us with expertise that allows us to lead the design process and make informed recommendations for alternate solutions enabling our clients to make effective decisions that enhance the value of the project. This along with a wealth of experience allows to create exactly what is needed, from jurisdictional approvals to construction related techniques.
3. Sustainable - Understanding building systems, construction processes, material properties, and planning principles necessary to integrate your project into its site context and within the project budget are as important to us as they are to you. We take great pride in developing site appropriate designs that connect well within the urban fabric because we understand that a well integrated project enhances the value of our clients investment.
Contact us to see how we can help you!
Ionic Dezign Studios
D. Eugene Thompson, AIA
President + Founder
www.ionicdezigns.com
Shore Christian Academy
Just a quick update on some of the newest renderings for the school on the eastern shore.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Employment Opportunities
Ionic DeZign Studios is looking for a Junior Architect to join our ever growing practice.
IONIC is a Virginia Beach based Architecture and Interiors firm. We work on a variety of project types, including retail, restaurants, hospitality, corporate offices, mixed-use and commercial, financial, municipality projects as well as religious architecture and custom residential homes. IONIC is a firm that strives to set the bar higher in terms creativity and ingenuity throughout the design process. Yes, the work is demanding and it takes the effort of putting in the time in order to reap the rewards. However, just as hard as we work we believe in playing equally as hard. Team IONIC is about relationships. Within a supportive and mentorship philosophy, IONIC provides a climate where you'll succeed and be a part of a continuously growing and evolving family of designers.
Qualifications Summary:
-Completion of five or six-year architectural degree program.
-Minimum of 5 years total professional experience; experience required in all phases of project work including preparation of conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents and supporting materials.
-Licensed Architect or actively seeking licensure.
-Plans, schedules, organizes, and executes distinct portions of smaller projects; or contributions toward larger projects.
-Provides technical design input and support for the development of the entire design concept for the assigned work under a Principle.
-With limited supervision, responsible for a project’s or an assigned portion of a project’s technical design effort, subsequent detailed design development, project coordination and quality control efforts during all phases of project work in close collaboration with a Senior Designer or Principle.
-Develops thorough understanding of design philosophy of projects and provides major input in developing a design and building performance strategy.
-Develops leadership presence office wide as a resource to others within the office.
-Seeks creative and innovative solutions to assigned tasks and develops appropriate research and documentation to support these solutions.
-Drives collaborative relationship with consultants and knowledge resources to ensure that deliverables are coordinated, integrated and support the performance goals of the project.
-Organizes own work efforts and that of his/her assigned team.
-Contributes to preparation of design documents and leads the detailed development of construction documents.
-Leads review of design and construction documents in order to confirm compliance with the contract deliverables.
-Sets an example for team effort through the spirit of cooperation.
-Proactively checks and coordinates project documents including but not limited to drawing set organization, details, dimensions, interdisciplinary coordination items, specifications coordination, etc.
-Reviews shop drawings and sample submittals.
-Coordinates and develops responses to contractor questions, inquiries, RFI’s etc.
Prepares punch-lists and field observation reports.
-Seeks to build an external presence at industry events, conferences, organizations and beyond.
-Actively pursuing or has achieved LEED professional accreditation.
-Demonstrated advanced knowledge of architectural practice.
-Demonstrated advanced knowledge of building materials, detailing, construction techniques, building systems selection, related engineering principles, sustainability strategies and building codes.
-Demonstrated practical knowledge of space programming and functional adjacencies.
-Demonstrated practical understanding of the application of digital tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, 3dsMAX, Sketch-up, Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
-Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
Submit resumes, references and digital portfolios to info@ionicdezigns.com
For more informationn on IONIC DEZIGN STUDIOS vidit our site at www.ionicdezigns.com
IONIC is a Virginia Beach based Architecture and Interiors firm. We work on a variety of project types, including retail, restaurants, hospitality, corporate offices, mixed-use and commercial, financial, municipality projects as well as religious architecture and custom residential homes. IONIC is a firm that strives to set the bar higher in terms creativity and ingenuity throughout the design process. Yes, the work is demanding and it takes the effort of putting in the time in order to reap the rewards. However, just as hard as we work we believe in playing equally as hard. Team IONIC is about relationships. Within a supportive and mentorship philosophy, IONIC provides a climate where you'll succeed and be a part of a continuously growing and evolving family of designers.
Qualifications Summary:
-Completion of five or six-year architectural degree program.
-Minimum of 5 years total professional experience; experience required in all phases of project work including preparation of conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents and supporting materials.
-Licensed Architect or actively seeking licensure.
-Plans, schedules, organizes, and executes distinct portions of smaller projects; or contributions toward larger projects.
-Provides technical design input and support for the development of the entire design concept for the assigned work under a Principle.
-With limited supervision, responsible for a project’s or an assigned portion of a project’s technical design effort, subsequent detailed design development, project coordination and quality control efforts during all phases of project work in close collaboration with a Senior Designer or Principle.
-Develops thorough understanding of design philosophy of projects and provides major input in developing a design and building performance strategy.
-Develops leadership presence office wide as a resource to others within the office.
-Seeks creative and innovative solutions to assigned tasks and develops appropriate research and documentation to support these solutions.
-Drives collaborative relationship with consultants and knowledge resources to ensure that deliverables are coordinated, integrated and support the performance goals of the project.
-Organizes own work efforts and that of his/her assigned team.
-Contributes to preparation of design documents and leads the detailed development of construction documents.
-Leads review of design and construction documents in order to confirm compliance with the contract deliverables.
-Sets an example for team effort through the spirit of cooperation.
-Proactively checks and coordinates project documents including but not limited to drawing set organization, details, dimensions, interdisciplinary coordination items, specifications coordination, etc.
-Reviews shop drawings and sample submittals.
-Coordinates and develops responses to contractor questions, inquiries, RFI’s etc.
Prepares punch-lists and field observation reports.
-Seeks to build an external presence at industry events, conferences, organizations and beyond.
-Actively pursuing or has achieved LEED professional accreditation.
-Demonstrated advanced knowledge of architectural practice.
-Demonstrated advanced knowledge of building materials, detailing, construction techniques, building systems selection, related engineering principles, sustainability strategies and building codes.
-Demonstrated practical knowledge of space programming and functional adjacencies.
-Demonstrated practical understanding of the application of digital tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, 3dsMAX, Sketch-up, Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
-Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
Submit resumes, references and digital portfolios to info@ionicdezigns.com
For more informationn on IONIC DEZIGN STUDIOS vidit our site at www.ionicdezigns.com
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